Good Reputation - Rebecca Cleghorn

Rebecca ``Becky'' Cleghorn is a people person, and in her line of work that comes in handy.

A staff assistant with the Newport News Police Department's personnel recruiting division, she likes dealing with the public on or off the job.

With the city since 1984, Cleghorn's duties include handling job inquiries from people interested in joining the city's police force, performing clerical and secretarial tasks and providing occasional assistance to the payroll department.

In her free time, she volunteers with several Peninsula-based service organizations, including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Peninsula Inc., Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Explorer program.

She also collects recyclables, such as newspapers and cans, for the local SPCA.

Recently, she was made a Newport News Employee of the Month for her service to her department and the city.

According to the citation that accompanied her award, Cleghorn is a pleasant, helpful individual on the job. She carries these qualities to the many organizations in which she does volunteer work.

The citation goes on to say that she is always trying to help make a difference in a young person's life.

When Cleghorn began volunteering with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, she wasn't much older than the high school student she has for a ``little sister'' right now.

A ``big sister'' since she was 18 years old, she has worked with three kids and been on the organization's board of directors. When she and her little sister go out, they like to talk, eat and watch movies.

The reason why Cleghorn volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Special Olympics is very simple. ``I like to work with kids,'' she says, adding that it makes her feel good to be able to help.

During Special Olympics, she usually can be found working with the gymnasts or track and field competitors. A community-oriented person, she'll work wherever she is needed.

Raised in the Denbigh section of Newport News, the city employee lives in Hampton with her husband, Leonard ``Skip'' Cleghorn, who works for Newport News Shipbuilding.

When she isn't working or volunteering, she likes to ride her bike, take her dogs for walks in the park and cross-stitch.